The
gift of enrollment in The Barclay Classes will prove to be invaluable throughout your child’s life.

For
generations, we have helped our students develop the social skills and confidence
that are so important in helping them grow into well-mannered young adults.

The dance classes were started in 1930 by Miss Jesse Dotterer. John Barclay took
over shortly thereafter and gave the classes his name. William Thomson (pictured)
joined Mr. Barclay in 1956, and together they developed our program as it is
today. Mr. Thomson ultimately took over the classes, and led the program until
his death in 1991. His widow, Lois (pictured), has successfully continued to
guide the program, which is currently offered in 19 communities across five states.

We show them how to make a good first impression by being able
to confidently shake hands and introduce themselves with a firm handshake and
good eye contact.

Table manners are included in the program. All dining courtesies
at home, at
a friend’s house and at every type of restaurant will be discussed. Topics
covered will include place settings, utensils, napkins, proper handling of food,
polite behavior at the table, seating, cell phones, elbows off the table, baseball
caps and dining conversation.

Our
Middle School program In order to provide
a more varied program, a special series of theme
nights
has been planned to emphasize a new learning experience.
There is seating at tables, and refreshments are
served at each session. We realize that, at this
age, the girls and boys are eager to socialize. This
special program provides the students a wonderful
way to interact socially with one another as well
as develop social confidence, learn more advanced
dancing, and learn table manners and all other aspects
of social etiquette.

We feel our program has a very worthwhile
place in a child’s social development. The combination
of dance and manners in the classes makes for a wonderful
experience that your children will draw from throughout
their lives, distinguishing them from others.

The
Barclay Classes are held in an atmosphere conducive
to learning self-control and good manners. Confidence,
poise and good manners learned early in life stay
with us forever and will distinguish your child
in any social, business or academic situation.

We use ballroom dancing as our teaching
vehicle. The classes are conducted in a party atmosphere,
using games to keep the children engaged. Being
confident and relaxed with dancing will prove to
make all future social events for your child fun
and enjoyable.

Manners
in other social situations is also part
of the program. At each class a different topic
will be
covered including: introductions of peers to parents
and other adults; respectful behavior at various types
of social gatherings; telephone manners; manners for
today’s personal electronics equipment; taking
pride in one’s appearance.

The children learn to sit and have polite conversation. At
each class a simple topic is given to them to discuss
with their partner, thus the beginning of developing
an ease with the art of “small talk”. This
is especially important for the shy child as they learn
how to socialize with other children they do not know
very well.